The bipartisan effort was focused on addressing the challenges faced by the beleaguered ferry service, including staffing shortages and funding gaps. However, the future of the funding remains uncertain pending a voter referendum in November.
Immediate Relief for State Ferries
Lawmakers approved additional funding for hiring and training programs to alleviate the staffing issues in the Washington State Ferries.
The budget also includes provisions to finance the construction of five new hybrid electric ferries.
These improvements are crucial to ensure the efficient operation of the ferry system, which has been plagued by thousands of canceled sailings this year.
Uncertain Future Due to Voter Referendum
The financing plan for the new ferries relies on revenue from the sale of emission allowances to major polluters in the state.
However, the law mandating these sales is up for a voter referendum in November.
Depending on the outcome, the future of the ferry system's funding could be in jeopardy.
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